TOOLBOX TALK #21 Safety with Steelwork Prepare: Quiet location? No distractions? Talk aids ready? Reason: Operatives should be aware of the hazards associated with the erection of steelwork.. Why: This potentially dangerous activity poses risks to the safety of those erecting the steelwork and of others who are in the vicinity. Outline: This talk will cover the hazards associated with the erection of steelwork and the precautions to be taken. Hazards NOTES • Operatives falling from height are a common source of injury in the construction industry – ensure that you are never at risk of falling. • Falling tools and materials etc. are a hazard to others when you are working at height. • Electrocution from live overhead electrical cables may be a hazard. • Many cranes have toppled during lifting operations because of poor technique. • There is always a danger of impact injuries, including head injuries, when beams are being lifted and installed. Q: What measures could be taken to avoid contact with overhead cables? Q: How can the length of time spent working at height be reduced? Precautions • Erection will invariably involve the use of a crane – all lifts must be supervised by a competent person and involve the use of qualified slingers. • When working at height, work from a stable working platform wherever possible. FOR MORE INFORMATION Call: 01206 396 446 Email: sales@steponsafety.co.uk Visit: www.steponsafety.co.uk © Step on Safety 2022 Page 1 of 2 TOOLBOX TALK #21 Safety with Steelwork • When a platform is not practical wear a safety harness and NOTES fall arrest device – ensure that you are clipped to a secure anchorage point at all times. • Ensure that there is a safe means of access to high level places of work. • Be aware of the dangers to others below – cordon off the area at ground level. • The use of cranes over long periods will mean that you may have to consider: • Whether the ground conditions can support the crane. • The area required by the crane as it slews – including, in some cases, consideration for the general public. • The proximity of buried ducts or pipes which may affect crane stability. • Always wear the appropriate PPE. • Do not move along beams by ‘straddling’ unless absolutely necessary. Q: What should you consider as your next choice of working at height when it is not practical to erect scaffold? Q: What additional precautions would you take before ‘straddling’ a beam? Q: What type of safety harness should be worn and why? Do you have any questions for me? Sources https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/construction.pdf FOR MORE INFORMATION Call: 01206 396 446 Email: sales@steponsafety.co.uk Visit: www.steponsafety.co.uk © Step on Safety 2022 Page 2 of 2
